RESILENCY

Is the ability to know how to handle stressful situations effectively. It requires having the skills to face challenges, and have had the opportunity to practice using these skills so that one feels competent in dealing with situations. 

Is the belief in one’s own abilities and is rooted in competence. Veterans gain confidence by being able to demonstrate their competence in real situations. 

 Veterans with close ties to friends, family, and community groups are likely to have a stronger sense of security and sense of belonging. These veterans are more likely to have strong values and are less likely to seek out alternative destructive behaviors. I

Veterans with “character” enjoy a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. They are in touch with their values and are comfortable sticking to them. They can demonstrate a caring attitude towards others. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and are prepared to make wise choices and contribute to the world. 

 If veterans can experience personally contributing to the world, they can learn the powerful lesson that the world is a better place because they are in it. 

 Veterans who have a wide repertoire of coping skills (social skills, stress reduction skills) are able to cope more effectively and are better prepared to overcome life’s challenges. 

When veterans realize that they have control over their decisions and actions, they are more likely to know how to make choices in a way that they can bounce back from life’s challenges.